The St.George Queensland Reds are pleased to announce star outside back Jordan Petaia will remain at Ballymore through 2022.In a deal that signals Queensland’s future intent, the 18 year-old has signed a four-year contract extension at the Reds.
The teenager was set to make his Wallabies debut against Italy in Padua last weekend, before a hamstring injury cruelled his bid to become the third-youngest player to ever represent Australia at Test level.
Petaia, who only graduated from Brisbane State High School last year, said he was excited to remain in Queensland and progress his Rugby career under Reds Head Coach Brad Thorn.
"I have learned a lot off Brad, he’s taught me a lot this year and given me the opportunity at quite a young age so I’m very grateful for that,” said Petaia.
“Samu (Kerevi) and the whole senior playing group at the Reds have helped me develop and improve as a player.
“I tried to set goals at the start of the year but obviously it’s been just one step at a time. This year, I was just trying to make the pre-season with the Reds squad and then everything just came after that. So I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, focusing on every little step and gradually improving and working on my game,” Petaia added.
Reds Head Coach Brad Thorn said: “Considering Jordan turned 18 earlier this year, it’s outstanding what he’s achieved.
“He’s a nice young man. He’s humble and hard-working who loves his footy. After making his debut and playing 11 games for Queensland, we’ve got a taste of his talent.
“It’s exciting to think how far his career can go and we look forward to him being here at Queensland,” Thorn added.
Petaia, a product of the Queensland Pathway, joined the Reds for pre-season training ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season while still only 17 years-old.
He later went on to become the Reds’ youngest-ever Super Rugby debutant when he took the field as a replacement against the Brumbies in Canberra earlier this year at the age of 18 years and 24 days – and finished the Super Rugby season with 11 caps.
Following his breakout maiden Super Rugby season, Petaia finished as the 2018 National Rugby Championship’s (NRC) top try-scorer after he crossed for his 10th try of the season for Bond University Queensland Country during last month’s Grand Final against the Fijian Drua.
Jordan Petaia
Position: Outside back
Height: 190cm
Weight: 98kg
Born: 14/03/2000
Place of birth: Werribee, VIC
Senior Club: Wests
School: Brisbane State High School
Representative Honours: Combined States Schoolboys (2016), Australian Schoolboys Barbarians (2016), Queensland Schoolboys (2017), Australian Schoolboys (2017), Australian U20s (2018), Queensland Country (2018-), Queensland Reds (2018-)
Super Rugby Debut: 2018 v Brumbies, Canberra
Super Rugby Caps: 11
